the composer

Gordon (Dick) Goodwin earned his doctorate in composition at the University of Texas. His principle teachers were Kent Kennan, Hunter Johnson, J. Clifton Williams, Anthony Donato, Lothar Kline, and Janet McGaughey. He taught composition and theory at the University of Texas for over ten years, then in 1973 moved to the University of South Carolina where he conducted the orchestra and served as head of the theory-composition area. He is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus at USC.

Following the audio clips below are links to representative works grouped by category. For a more compete listing, more information, or questions about specific instrumentations please contact us. Perusal scores and, in many cases, demo recordings are available upon request.

Current activities: 
There are always several things in the hopper. 
Dick is orchestrating a show for singer/songwriter Billy Jonas. 
He is also writing a piece for classical guitar and double bass, tentatively titled “Song & Dance Man,” commissioned by bassist Craig Butterfield for an upcoming tour and recording.
“Para Entonces” (three Spanish songs) was recorded by mezzo Helen Tintes-Schuermann (who commissioned the piece) with Winifred Goodwin (piano) and William Terwilliger (violin) has been released on MSR Classics.

His arrangements and compositions for the Goodwinds (a quartet with Cynthia Hopkins and Robyn Leadbitter, flutes/John Bittle, clarinet/Colleen Marcou, cello) were featured in a recent concert at the Sumter, SC Opera House.

He wrote and produced the theme and incidental music for SCETV program, “Take On The South.”

AUDIO CLIPS

From Jabbo: Jenkins Orphanage for flute, oboe, and cello, Charleston Chamber Players (2:00)

From Paraph for clarinet and orchestra, Richard Stoltzman, soloist with the Warsaw Phil. (MMC label) (1:12)

From Boop Music: Bamboo Isle for woodwind quintet, Carolina Chamber Players (1:45)